The Front Garden

In this episode… Adam Hompas sits down with Corey Shalevski from RYCOR Landscapes for a candid chat about business growth, team culture, systems, and the realities of building a landscape business with momentum. Corey shares the RYCOR story, from growing up on a Yarra Valley property with his brother and business partner Ryan, to combining Ryan’s hands-on landscaping experience with Corey’s backgr...

In this episode… Our host, Adam Hompas , sits down with Peter Hum from Peter Christopher Gardens for an honest chat about career changes, starting a business, backing yourself, and the importance of doing the little things properly. Peter shares how he moved from graphic design into horticulture after discovering that life behind a computer screen was not for him. What began as a side job helping...

In this episode… Our host, Adam Hompas, is joined by Aaron Leslie and Brenna Kinnaird from Timeless Outdoors for a conversation that moves between craftsmanship, design thinking, construction challenges and the reality of delivering high-quality landscapes at scale. Aaron shares the evolution of Timeless Outdoors, from its construction roots through to a growing focus on design, and the role that...

In this episode… Our host, Adam Hompas, chats with La Muxlow from La Muxlow Garden Design about the realities, rewards, and relentless preparation involved in creating a garden for the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show. Fresh from her 2026 MIFGS balcony garden, La reflects on the emotional high of exhibiting, the pressure of delivering a garden in a tight timeframe, and the value of...

TL;DR Alexandria Jayde and Maurizio Lepori from Takaynar Landscaping share how they built a landscaping business grounded in sustainability, strong team culture, and meaningful client relationships. The episode explores everything from permaculture principles and project management to creating gardens that genuinely improve the way people live and connect with nature.   In this episode… Our host A...

Karen Dickson and Greg Palmer from Ayus Botanical join Adam Hompas to explore the art, business and emotion behind plant-led landscape design. From nursery beginnings and commercial projects to botanical retreats and the Chelsea Flower Show, this episode is a thoughtful look at how gardens can shape the way people feel, connect and slow down. In this episode… In this episode of The Front Garden ,...

Dean Oliver and Matt Johnston from Can Do Landscapes chat with Adam Hompas about leadership, apprenticeships, communication, and the systems that help landscaping businesses run well on-site and behind the scenes. In this episode… What does it take to build a strong landscaping team, create systems that work on site, and step confidently into leadership? In this episode of The Front Garden podcast...

TL;DR: In Episode 140 of The Front Garden, Adam Hompas chats with Tomas Runciman from Straightcurve about why garden edging is one of the most overlooked but important elements in landscape construction.   From modular systems and faster installs to material choices and emerging design trends, this episode is a practical look at how the right details can lift the entire project. In this episode… A...

In this episode… Our host, Adam Hompas, sits down with Mark Slefendorfas, Director of Brocor Group , to talk about building a commercial landscaping business from the ground up. Mark shares how he went from apprentice to business owner, starting out with the idea that it would just be him, one machine and a bit of work on the side, before growing Brocor Group into a large-scale operation deliverin...

In this episode… Our host, Adam Hompas, sits down with Michael Casey , Director of Evergreen Infrastructure , a specialist in green roofs and green infrastructure for urban, built developments.  Michael shares how he found his niche in the early 2000s, why extensive green roofs are among the toughest projects to get right, and what needs to change in the way we design, build, and maintain green in...

In this episode… We’re joined by Alannah Easton , owner of Olivera Landscape Architecture and Design , whose work sits at the intersection of community design, habitat gardening, and practical, buildable landscapes.  Alannah shares her unusual pathway into the industry (from the Department of Justice), why public spaces shape behaviour and connection, and how she’s turning that passion into real c...

TL:DR A practical and candid conversation with Tobias Lestrell (Shapescaper) on better edging systems, weathering steel insights, and the realities of growing an Australian manufacturing business in the landscaping industry. In this episode… Adam sits down with Tobias Lestrell , owner and director of Shapescaper , to unpack the story behind a brand that’s become a go-to for metal edging, modular p...

In this episode… In this episode of The Front Garden, host Adam Hompas is joined by Mitchell William-Kelly and Jaimee Olsen from Green by Nature to unpack what it really takes to operate one of the largest commercial landscaping and grounds maintenance businesses across Australia and New Zealand. Born from the merger of four established companies, Green by Nature now brings together more than 120...

In this episode… Our host, Adam Hompas, sits down with landscape designer Natalie Back from Living Earth Design in the Dandenong Ranges to explore how a creek-loving childhood, a passion for plants and chickens, and her studies at Swinburne shaped her values-led approach to gardens.  A former LV student member turned full member and business owner, Natalie is carving out a niche for joyful, resili...

In this episode… Ashley Kellett from Global Landscapes chats with Adam about learning through mistakes, quoting with clarity, choosing the right materials for site and climate, balancing family life with work, and mentoring the next generation.  From shale in Wonga Park to sand in Bayside, granite vs bluestone, and why limestone’s having a moment, this episode digs into the practical decisions tha...

TL;DR A practical deep-dive into contractor-first innovation with Madewell Products covering fibreglass reinforcement (GFRP), reusable formwork, architectural concrete know-how, and the on-site support that helps landscapers deliver better work with less labour. In this episode… From a simple idea to cut waste on site, Madewell has grown into a contractor-first toolkit for concrete done smarter. K...

TL;DR: Kahl Gaffke reveals how diversification, resilience and family focus built Gaffke’s Gardens & Landscaping into a multi-arm landscaping business ready for interstate growth. In this episode… From mowing lawns with a flat-deck Victa to managing multi-acre government contracts, diversifying into plant propagation, and even launching a NSW branch, Kahl Gaffke’s story is all about building r...

TL;DR: Former chef turned horticulturist Rob Mihailescu shares how he built The Cutting Hedge into a trusted name by putting soil science and sustainability first. From swales to soil prep, this episode dishes up insights on creating gardens that thrive. In this episode… From the precision of fine dining to the science of soil health, Rob Mihailescu’s career shift from chef to horticulturist is an...

TL;DR: Landscape architect and educator Angela Maroney shares 30+ years of lessons on pricing with confidence, nailing permits and approvals, and switching from free site visits to paid consultations . We dig into systems, time tracking, dispute-prevention, and why continuing education and a strong network protect both your profit and your sanity. In this episode… It’s a masterclass in business sm...

In this episode… It’s a milestone episode for The Front Garden as Adam Hompas takes the reins as host for the very first time. A landscaper by trade and long-time supporter of the show, Adam steps into the role with a powerful conversation featuring Kurt Everard from TIACS (This Is A Conversation Starter) . TIACS provides free, professional mental health counselling to Australia’s blue-collar work...

TL;DR From humble beginnings with a wheelbarrow and a shovel, Westland Commercial Group has grown into a powerhouse commercial landscaping business delivering multi-million-dollar projects with an integrated team. In Chris Weiss’s final episode as host, we hear how trust, culture, and bold moves have shaped Westland’s journey, and what’s next for The Front Garden . In this episode… In this milesto...

In this episode... Host Chris Weiss (Formation Landscapes) is joined by Joel Emmins and Alex Gow from Complete Landscape Solutions to explore the evolution of a business built on strong values, steady growth, and supportive leadership. From apprentice to designer, Joel Emmins’ landscaping journey is anything but ordinary.  Joel shares his transition from landscape construction into design followin...

In this episode… Chris sits down with Samuel Fragapane from All Green Nursery, a family-run business with a rich 45-year history in Melbourne’s west.  Samuel shares how his grandparents’ humble beginnings selling plants from their backyard evolved into a multifaceted operation spanning retail, wholesale, garden supplies, and soil production with over 100 staff. They dive into the lessons and chall...

In this episode… Our host, Chris Weiss, chats with Jocelyn Bennett from Earthcore Landscapes, the design force behind the gold-winning Boutique Garden at the 2025 Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show. Jocelyn shares her unconventional path from engineering student to landscape designer, the challenges and triumphs of showcasing a native garden at MIFGS, and the power of design and cons...

In this episode… Our host, Chris Weiss, is joined by plant-loving power duo Lisa Ellis and Teena Crawford, co-authors of the groundbreaking new book Plantology .  With over 60 years of combined experience in landscape design and horticulture, Lisa and Teena walk us through the five-year journey of co-writing this beautifully curated resource, packed with nearly 200 detailed plant profiles, practic...